I fish in weather around 0-20F, and I recently rethought my layering system. Not a lot of movement so I don’t have that to count on so I need to think static. Neoprene waders with insulated boots, nice fleece pants, and merino base layer takes care of the bottom, but I’ve found I sometimes get cold up top. When it’s been very cold I found myself literally wearing a down jacket underneath a primaloft jacket (so if the top layer gets wet it’s not the end of the world) and still wasn’t warm, which seemed nuts. However, I then realized what I’m doing is essentially squishing the down into my waders and under another jacket- without loft, I might as well be just wearing a ripstop shirt. Bought a heavier fleece base layer, a heavy fleece mid, and will put that under the primaloft and I think it will be a night and day difference.
Yeah, accounting for how all the layers interact with each other and fit together can be really challenging. And one other pitfall with layering for these temps is movement. A pair of fleece pants that fits well over a base layer may begin to restrict movement with the addition of waders.
At some point I'll detail the crazy system the guide had us wear on that brown bear hunt: waders cut off at the knee over hip boots...
Crazy! It’s so hard to match up sometimes. I’ve thought of wearing breathable so if I’m walking a lot I don’t just get cold and sweaty but then I’m also losing the insulated boots and warmth from bootfoots vs stocking foot.
I do a lot of winter backcountry skiing and a bit of mountaineering and ice climbing. By far the best socks I've ever found are the Primaloft Pro socks by Odlo (they come in an over the calf cut or one for hiking that's mid-calf). They're made out of Primaloft yarn and are super hydrophobic, amazingly warm, and just all around excellent. Rab also makes a Primaloft yarn glove (I use it as a liner glove inside a variety of other gloves or just glove shells depending on conditions). Similarly amazing. Wish more brands would make stuff from Primaloft yarn, it's amazing stuff -- though it does catch on hook-and-loop surfaces and wreck the knit.
Thanks for sharing! I'm not typically out in temps quite that frigid, but I do run cold and like to be prepared when backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, etc. I'm also similarly hesitant to trust heated items in the backcountry (though my Lenz socks are bomber for resort days). I'd be curious to hear more about Virginia's system--any chance you plan to share those details in another post?
This has the potential to be one of the most expensive posts I’ve ever read… I am pretty well equipped but I do like having options and this could turn into a bit of a shopping spree.
No apology needed! Honest insight around these types of things is why I’m here. I’m guessing I’ll have some questions. Most of my time outside is spent being active, but I’m always watching for the most effective layering options to optimize the overlap of warmth, breathability, and mobility.
One thing I hear from people who are new to technical clothing is along the lines of "well old timey explorers didn't need all that." And sure, they explored the world. But they also died doing it, suffered from limited mobility and comfort, and just suffered. Who wants to suffer? Sure this stuff is expensive, but it means I can spend more time enjoying the outdoors across a much more diverse array of conditions, and do all that comfortably.
I think Beyond is struggling, but they're still making some good stuff. It's 15 degrees here in Bozeman and I'm about to go shovel snow. Wearing my Beyond base layers and Alpha Aura mid-layer, plus those Guide gloves I love so much.
I fish in weather around 0-20F, and I recently rethought my layering system. Not a lot of movement so I don’t have that to count on so I need to think static. Neoprene waders with insulated boots, nice fleece pants, and merino base layer takes care of the bottom, but I’ve found I sometimes get cold up top. When it’s been very cold I found myself literally wearing a down jacket underneath a primaloft jacket (so if the top layer gets wet it’s not the end of the world) and still wasn’t warm, which seemed nuts. However, I then realized what I’m doing is essentially squishing the down into my waders and under another jacket- without loft, I might as well be just wearing a ripstop shirt. Bought a heavier fleece base layer, a heavy fleece mid, and will put that under the primaloft and I think it will be a night and day difference.
Yeah, accounting for how all the layers interact with each other and fit together can be really challenging. And one other pitfall with layering for these temps is movement. A pair of fleece pants that fits well over a base layer may begin to restrict movement with the addition of waders.
At some point I'll detail the crazy system the guide had us wear on that brown bear hunt: waders cut off at the knee over hip boots...
Crazy! It’s so hard to match up sometimes. I’ve thought of wearing breathable so if I’m walking a lot I don’t just get cold and sweaty but then I’m also losing the insulated boots and warmth from bootfoots vs stocking foot.
I do a lot of winter backcountry skiing and a bit of mountaineering and ice climbing. By far the best socks I've ever found are the Primaloft Pro socks by Odlo (they come in an over the calf cut or one for hiking that's mid-calf). They're made out of Primaloft yarn and are super hydrophobic, amazingly warm, and just all around excellent. Rab also makes a Primaloft yarn glove (I use it as a liner glove inside a variety of other gloves or just glove shells depending on conditions). Similarly amazing. Wish more brands would make stuff from Primaloft yarn, it's amazing stuff -- though it does catch on hook-and-loop surfaces and wreck the knit.
Thanks for sharing! I'm not typically out in temps quite that frigid, but I do run cold and like to be prepared when backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, etc. I'm also similarly hesitant to trust heated items in the backcountry (though my Lenz socks are bomber for resort days). I'd be curious to hear more about Virginia's system--any chance you plan to share those details in another post?
Yeah, I'd wanted to add that here but we haven't completely resolved it yet. More this week.
This has the potential to be one of the most expensive posts I’ve ever read… I am pretty well equipped but I do like having options and this could turn into a bit of a shopping spree.
LOL, sorry. Lemme know if any questions.
No apology needed! Honest insight around these types of things is why I’m here. I’m guessing I’ll have some questions. Most of my time outside is spent being active, but I’m always watching for the most effective layering options to optimize the overlap of warmth, breathability, and mobility.
I've been really happy with a pair of beaver fur hand warmers that I picked up a few years ago from Aurora Heat. https://auroraheat.com/en-us
Sometimes my hands get too hot (and sweaty) with chemical hand warmers and I also like that these are reusable.
All those arctic expeditions in the 19th century would have benefited greatly from this list. Thanks for sharing!
One thing I hear from people who are new to technical clothing is along the lines of "well old timey explorers didn't need all that." And sure, they explored the world. But they also died doing it, suffered from limited mobility and comfort, and just suffered. Who wants to suffer? Sure this stuff is expensive, but it means I can spend more time enjoying the outdoors across a much more diverse array of conditions, and do all that comfortably.
Good stuff; looking forward to what’s next. On a related note; did Beyond Clothing just give up?
I think Beyond is struggling, but they're still making some good stuff. It's 15 degrees here in Bozeman and I'm about to go shovel snow. Wearing my Beyond base layers and Alpha Aura mid-layer, plus those Guide gloves I love so much.
Hmm, I don't see a spot for a nice 5th of brandy! Hmm, dry January eh? Cheers 🍻!
I should definitely pack one of my plastic flasks!